I started thinking about this cause I’m currently going through kratom withdrawal myself, which is an opioid receptor agonist. I’m basically going through a very mild version of opioid withdrawal, which is certainly manageable, but not pleasant, with its flu-like symptoms.
So, opioid use disorder used to be (and still is) a huge problem in some countries. The stronger and commonly abused opioids, like heroin, morphine and fentanyl, as I understand it, are extremely addicting, but I’m no expert on this subject.
What I don’t get tho…is for opioid use disorder, doctors prescribe methadone? Another synthetic opioid? Why? I’m genuinely curious.
From a quick Wikipedia read, it seems that methadone does cause addiction itself and withdrawal is actually longer than other opioids, that are used recreationally. Are the withdrawal symptoms less severe? Is it an effective form of treatment? I really do not know and I’m quite curious.
If someone had personal experience to share, that would probably be best.
But my question is basically: Methadone? Why the fuck do they prescribe that for opioid use disorder?
Sorry for the stupid question, I’m not very well educated on this subject and also really curious.
I think other comments already answered way better then i could but what i was tought is that going cold turkey with a physical addiction can cause shock and death.
Methadone is a very clean/pure opiod and the most safe one to give the boddy what it needs in decreasing amounts while therapy works on the psychological needs.
Surprisingly, alchohol withdrawal is more dangerous than opioid withdrawal. The danger with opioids is that you go back to your last dosage mid-withdrawal and that could be fatal overdose.
Alcohol is the only substance that can kill you by quitting cold turkey
Thats fasinating, i wonder what the scientific cause is for it.